Al Layan Oasis: Dubai Ruler unveils 10 million sq ft desert tourism destination
Lake and outdoor facilities planned across vast site
DUBAI – Dubai is set to gain a major new desert tourism landmark after the announcement of Al Layan Oasis, a large-scale attraction covering 10 million square feet.
The project was revealed by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, as part of a broader push to expand green and water-focused developments across the emirate. The initiative is backed by a Dh4 billion allocation for related projects.
إضافة سياحية جديدة لقطاعنا الاقتصادي أطلقناها اليوم.. واحة الليان .. على مساحة 10 مليون قدم مربع .. تتوسطها بحيرة على مساحة 2.5 مليون قدم مربع .. وتضم مرافق ترفيهية ومسارات رياضية ومساحات للتخييم وتجارب سياحية صحراوية غير مسبوقة.. وذلك ضمن حزمة مشاريع مائية وخضراء خصصنا لها 4… pic.twitter.com/eK78mp2yRS
— HH Sheikh Mohammed (@HHShkMohd) February 10, 2026
In his statement, Sheikh Mohammed described the oasis as a new tourism addition to the economic sector and part of a continuing development journey across the UAE. He said each day in the country brings opportunities to launch new projects, plant new seeds and add fresh milestones to national growth.
Al Layan Oasis
The new oasis is designed to strengthen Dubai’s tourism and economic landscape by introducing a nature-focused destination built around outdoor recreation and desert experiences. Details of the project were shared by Sheikh Mohammed through an official statement announcing its launch.
According to the announcement, Al Layan Oasis will be centred around a lake spanning 2.5 million square feet, forming the core feature of the destination. The wider site will extend across 10 million square feet, making it one of the larger desert-based leisure developments in Dubai.
The master plan includes a mix of recreational facilities aimed at attracting residents and tourists seeking outdoor activities. The layout combines water features with desert terrain to create a hybrid environment focused on relaxation, sport and adventure.
The project forms part of a package of water and green developments for which Dh4 billion has been allocated, linking the oasis to wider sustainability and environmental planning efforts in the emirate.
Visitor features
Plans for Al Layan Oasis include dedicated sports trails, camping areas and a range of leisure facilities integrated into the desert setting. The site is also expected to offer what were described as unprecedented desert tourism experiences, adding a new category of attraction to Dubai’s outdoor tourism portfolio.
Camping zones and trail networks will support activities such as hiking, running and other outdoor sports. Recreational spaces will be distributed around the central lake and across the wider oasis footprint.